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- Tasks: Research how sand mining impacts rivers and flood risks using advanced technology.
- Company: Loughborough University, collaborating with Newcastle University and Previsico.
- Benefits: Tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year plus tuition fees covered.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainable river management and climate resilience.
- Qualifications: Strong quantitative skills and interest in rivers and sustainability required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and gain valuable skills in geospatial analysis and modelling.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Sand is the world’s most used resource after water and intensive extraction is reshaping major rivers and deltas. This PhD will quantify how sand mining alters globally relevant river channels, sediment transport, and flood risk, delivering evidence to guide sustainable river management and climate resilience.
Based at Loughborough University with collaboration from Newcastle University, you’ll be supervised by Professor Dan Parsons, Professor Dapeng Yu (Loughborough and Previsico), Dr Quan Le (Loughborough) and Dr Chris Hackney (Newcastle). Working within the FLOOD-CDT, you’ll combine satellite remote sensing (e.g., PlanetScope, Sentinel-1), advanced numerical modelling (HEC-RAS, Delft-FM), and targeted field surveys to map mining intensity, simulate channel adjustment, and assess changing flood hazards under multiple environmental and socio-economic scenarios.
You’ll develop sought-after skills in geospatial analysis, hydrodynamics, sediment transport, machine learning-assisted detection, and hydro-geomorphological field methods. The project is embedded in an applied setting through collaboration with Previsico and international partners, ensuring pathways to real-world impact for policy, infrastructure risk, and community resilience across vulnerable deltas.
We welcome applicants with quantitative aptitude and curiosity about rivers, hazards, and sustainability (training provided in GIS, coding, and modelling). Join a supportive, interdisciplinary team and a sector-connected CDT to produce actionable science on one of the most urgent, yet solvable, human impacts on rivers.
Entry requirements
Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree), or an equivalent international qualification from a high-ranking university, in a relevant subject. EU and overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.
Funding information
Studentship type – UKRI through FLOOD-CDT. The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to international candidates, but successful international candidates will have the difference between the UK and international tuition fees provided by the University.
How to Apply
All applications should be made online via the above Apply button. Under programme name, select ‘School of Social Sciences and Humanities’. Please quote the advertised reference number, ‘FCDT-26-LU2’, in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be seen on the FLOOD-CDT website.
Please note that your application will be assessed upon:
- Motivation and career aspirations
- Potential and intellectual excellence
- Suitability for specific project
- Fit to FLOOD-CDT
Please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying.
During the application process candidates will need to upload:
- a one-page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project
- a curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests
- academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
- a IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable
You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss specific aspects of the proposed project prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions, please contact via email.
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Quantifying Sand Mining Impacts on River Channel Morphology and Flood Hazard
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before applying, reach out to potential supervisors like Professor Dan Parsons or Dr Quan Le. A quick email can help you understand the project better and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Craft a killer research statement! Make sure your one-page statement highlights your passion for flooding and sustainability. Tailor it to reflect how your interests align with the FLOOD-CDT's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! When you submit your CV, emphasise any relevant experience in geospatial analysis or numerical modelling. We want to see how you can contribute to the project right from the start.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to quote the reference number ‘FCDT-26-LU2’ to keep things smooth.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Quantifying Sand Mining Impacts on River Channel Morphology and Flood Hazard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Research Statement: Your one-page statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly express your research interests in flooding and how they align with the FLOOD-CDT. Be specific about why this project excites you and how it fits into your career aspirations.
Tailor Your CV: When putting together your CV, highlight relevant academic achievements and experiences that showcase your quantitative skills and curiosity about rivers and sustainability. We want to see what makes you a great fit for this PhD!
Check Your English Proficiency: If you're an international applicant, ensure you meet the IELTS requirements. A score of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each competency is essential. Don’t forget to include your certificate in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, all applications should be submitted online via our website. Make sure to quote the reference number ‘FCDT-26-LU2’ in your application. It’s super important to follow these steps to ensure your application gets noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of sand mining and its impacts on river morphology. Brush up on relevant research, especially any recent studies or findings related to sediment transport and flood risk. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your quantitative skills and any experience with GIS, coding, or numerical modelling. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in past projects or studies. If you have examples of using satellite remote sensing or field surveys, bring those up!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team. Inquire about the collaboration with Previsico or how the research might influence policy and community resilience. This demonstrates your engagement and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Connect with Your Supervisors
Before the interview, reach out to potential supervisors to discuss your research interests and the project. This not only helps you understand their expectations but also shows initiative and a proactive approach, which is always a plus in academia.
